The 2011 Viera range also includes Viera Link for increased networking and 3D Viera Image Viewer for watching both 2D and 3D digital still and HD video on a large HDTV.

It’s not yet known how many screen sizes will be offered in NZ but internationally consumers will be able to choose from 3D plasma displays measuring 42, 46, 50, 55, 60 and 65 inches.

Panasonic’s first 3D LED-LED models (below) will be limited to 37- and 32-inch displays.

Panasonic says its new name for its more flexible IPTV functionality, Viera Connect, reflects a move from the walled garden approach of Viera Cast to the interactive and inter-connected philosophy behind the new Internet enabled platform – although don’t expect the NZ models to offer the wealth of apps planned for the US and Japan.

The new models also will be able to playback AVCHD 2D video and 3D video recorded on SD card.

Expect to see the first of Panasonic’s new range on sale here from around April.